What a great day of football we had on Thursday last. We were visited by the primary schools in our area, who took part in our 7-a-side blitz organised and run by the PE department in the school. This involved the PE Teachers, the Transition Year Coaching students, and the 5th Year Leaving Certificate students. They all demonstrated fantastic organisation and communication skills in the way that they ran the day so smoothly and successfully, from meeting with the students when they arrived at the school door, through to supporting them in all their games throughout the day. Other students took the role of referee and officiated all the games played, while the Coláiste Mhuire Green Schools committee and TY YSI/Enterprise students were also present to assist with litter control and catering. They were all a credit to the school and their parents. The input of John O Shaughnessy, a member of the parent’s council and board of management of the school, was essential to the running of the blitz. In particular, a mention must be made of the work by Ms Trant with the aid of David O Dea (Games Development Administrator Limerick GAA) in the preparation for and the running of the event. Their enthusiasm and energy ensured the blitz was a huge success.
It was great to see so many of our past students, now coming back as teachers and leaders. It is with great pride that we note the personal and professional success of our past students. We also had two important visitors to the school during the week of the blitz, during the preparation for the blitz the school was visited by Sam Maguire and on the day of the blitz Liam McCarthy was present to encourage all the participants. Of course, we must mention our past pupils and special guests, Kyle Hayes and David O Shaughnessy, who returned to the school in the company of Peter Nash (County Footballer and Limerick Games Development Administrator office) to help us celebrate this wonderful day. Kyle presented medals to the winners and runners up. For some this was another highlight of the day, and not just the visiting students. It is with great pride we witness their ongoing successes in All Ireland hurling and football and the primary students were delighted to meet him.
This event would not have been possible without the wonderful participation of the 5th and 6th class students who took part, while a special word of thanks needs to go to their principals and teachers for preparing and organising them so well for the event. It was with great excitement and enthusiasm that all participating schools played in group games, followed by a Cup, Shield and Plate competition. It was great to witness the buzz of excitement amongst the participants throughout the whole day, both from the visiting feeder schools and our own Colaiste Mhuire school community. This was evident from the happy faces and continuous laughter on show, and it was this in particular that made the day such a success.
Many thanks to all those who helped in the running of this event, in particular the hard work and preparation of the students and staff of Coláiste Mhuire. Finally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to St. Senan's, Askeaton and Cappagh GAA clubs for their support of this event. Without your support, this event would not have been possible. Well done to all involved.